Reference no: EM132103177

Assessment Task 1:

Review Strategic Networks: Private and Public Sectors

Description:

Strategic networks could be a valuable source of information, expertise and competitive advantage for organisations, offering access to resources that might not be otherwise available within the organisation. Networks enable and enhance flow of information between stakeholders and may lead to important strategic partnerships and collaboration.

Growth and popularity of social media in recent times has created a new medium in strategic networking with people forming interest groups, alumni groups, professional groups and collaborative learning spaces through a number of web-based platforms.

In this assessment task, you will be required to research and compile information on at least three specific strategic networks used by private and public sectors respectively. Networks may include formal or informal networks, circulation lists, e-networks, bulletin boards, virtual communities and mailing lists. Public sector networks may differ from private sector networks as they tend to focus on a close group of internal and external stakeholders.

Similarly, research and identify three distinctive networks for private and public sectors each and compile the following information on them;

- Type of network and its key features
- Likely stakeholders and their profile (internal and/or external)
- Strategic values and likely benefits for individual stakeholders
- Strategic values and likely benefits for organisations
- Communication methods used (e.g. forum, functions etc)
- Code of conduct or any other legal requirements (including OHS)

Please note; you do not have to restrict yourself to online networks. A large number of professional and strategic networks rely on face-to-face contacts and networking events to create added values for their members. Your research should include both online and face-to-face networks.

Prepare a word-processed report summarising each networking as per the above information/instructions. Attach any supporting documents (e.g. copies of codes of conduct, or print out of a webpage) to your report. All external sources must be cited using the Harvard Referencing system. Your trainer/assessor will provide you with referencing guidelines.

As this assessment task is given as a formative assessment, the trainer/assessor may provide an opportunity for corrections/improvements as a feedback. Where corrections/improvements are required, the students will be allowed to resubmit their works for marking without any academic penalty. Only two such attempts will be allowed before a further assessment is made on specific learning needs of the learner. If you have any learning difficulties or constrains, discuss with your trainer/assessor at the earliest.

Assessment Task 2:

Project: Establish and Maintain Strategic Networks

Description:

Note to Trainers/Assessors: This assessment task should be handed out at the beginning of term to allow for planning and in-class project work in conjunction with respective learning sessions. Due date for the assessment can either be three separate dates for each part of the task or a final data at the end of the term. Supervised project time during learning session is highly recommended to ensure participation, consultation and originality of work.

For the purpose of this task, you may also establish an online network for the group that they can then use for completing this task. The network should have a purpose and a primary method of communication such as consultation, negotiation, information exchange, knowledge share etc. If implemented, users should be asked to comply with legal (e.g. privacy) and policy requirements (e.g. OHS, code of conduct, diversity, gender, disability etc.). All practical tasks MUST BE COMPLETED during designated assessment sessions.

This is an individual project task for this unit that commences at the start of the unit and progresses over the term. There are three parts of this project and each part should be completed as per the schedule discussed and agreed with the trainer/assessor.

Primarily, you will be required to establish and maintain three different types of networks for three specific purposes during the course of the unit (10 weeks). Information collected and compiled in Assessment Task1 can be useful in identifying and selecting appropriate networks. As you may have some constraints joining some of the networks (e.g. government networks and especially internal networks), consult with your trainer/assessor before you select a network.

Assume that you are working for a government agency in Victoria. You role requires you to interact and connect with a large number of stakeholders. You have realised the importance and need for strategic networking and have accordingly selected internal and external networks to join and maintain.

Your trainer will establish one of the required networks for your group as a simulation using an online platform. You will be provided with more information on the purpose and structure of the network in the classroom. Different learners will be assigned different roles, keeping in mind a composition of a culturally diverse workforce including people with disability.

Part A: Develop a Reference Document

In this part, you will need to develop a comprehensive theory both as a justification and a guide for joining and using strategic networks.

Plan and prepare a reference document that provides a justification or rationale for selecting and joining the networks that you have identified for the purpose of this assessment task. You will also be required to research and compile information on communication and conflict resolution principles as knowledge reference for your colleagues or co-workers.
A suggested structure for your document could be;
- Aims and Objectives
- An Overview of the Proposed Strategic Networks
- Expected Benefits and Outcomes
o For Self
o For the Organisation
- Perceived Strategic Values
- Key Stakeholders
- Communication Methods and Strategies
- Working in Public Sector in Victoria (legislation and protocols)
- Key legal and policy requirements (including OHS requirements)
- Key Principles
o Interpersonal, group and inter-agency communication
o Conflict resolution in a strategic context
o Equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
- Further Resources

This document should ideally be prepared within the first 3-4 weeks of the term to develop and reinforce the required context and knowledge for this project. All the three networks can be covered and described within each of the above headings.

Part B: Establish and Maintain Networks

In this part, you will be required to actually establish and maintain your strategic networks. From privacy point of view, you must not provide any information on unknown or new public networks that could compromise your identity or privacy. You may also use any existing known or trusted networks that you already use (e.g. membership with professional bodies, workplace intranet etc.).

YOU WILL BE ESTABLISHING/JOINING AND MAINTAIN THREE SEPARATE NETWORKS over the duration of the term, including an internal network set up by the trainer. Join the required/selected networks and in each network;

1. Download and save terms and conditions or code of conduct competed at sign-up
2. Add friends, contacts or join groups
3. Start new group or conversation or forum, as the network permits
4. Start conversations and build rapport with other members, participants
5. Contribute in existing discussions
6. Maintain and lead a healthy communication as per the communication strategy
7. Expand your network and invite others to join in
8. In the local network (created by your trainer) develop relationships and devise tangible outcomes in terms of consultation, negotiation, knowledge sharing or work procedures
9. Identify any conflict or misunderstanding occurred during the conversations
10. Take a pro-active approach to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings
11. Create or identify new and mutual opportunities through the networks

This task MUST BE COMPLETED during designated assessment sessions. The process of establishing, joining and maintaining the strategic networks must be observed by your assessor for marking. You will also have to provide your login details to your assessor for assessment of your work and activities with the networks.

Part C: Reflection

- At the end of term write a reflection paper based on your experience with strategic networks including;
- Your previous thoughts and perceptions on relevance and efficacy of strategic networks
- Any change(s) in your perception after maintaining the actual networks
- Key learning and development (skill, knowledge, perception or ideas) gained in the process
- Difficulties/conflicts/problems faced and resolved

The reflection paper is focused on own experiences and learning. The reflection paper should be word processed and contained within two single-sided A4 sheets.

Assessment Task 3:

Portfolio

Description:

You would have completed a number of activities and practical tasks during this unit. Most of those activities contribute towards assessment for this unit of competency.

Submit your complete portfolio with copies of all activities and tasks completed, including any handwritten notes or copies of reference documents.

All the documents contained within the portfolio must be relevant to the class activities and tasks completed during each learning session during the course of this unit.